Bridges to Belonging

Bridges to Belonging is a grassroots, relationship-based organization of independent facilitators and community connectors who work alongside youth, adults and seniors with disabilities and dual diagnosis to live, work and play as citizens, develop networks of support and experience belonging in a community.

We facilitate the entire process for individuals supported by their families to explore options, create strategies, develop plans that reduce social isolation and remove barriers to inclusion within the context of a trusted, open and authentic relationship where dreams are shared, gifts are celebrated, strengths are cultivated, a network of support is created, belonging is experienced and a full, meaningful life is lived.

Independent Facilitation is a dynamic, human centered and person directed experience that boosts empowerment, nurtures change, furthers interdependence, builds resilience, develops social intelligence and promotes healthy relationships to name a few, by engaging the person, family and community in a network of reciprocal relationships that supports the physical psycho social and spiritual needs of everyone involved and positively impacting their overall health and well-being.

Our Vision: Communities where people of all abilities belong and are connected through meaningful relationships.
Our Mission: We engage with you to be empowered and express your gifts, together with your loved ones, to build a network of support that honours your choices for the life you want in Waterloo Region.
Our Purpose: To affirm the inherent dignity and worth of people living with disabilities and to walk with them to overcome isolation, live free of barriers to inclusion and experience belonging
Our Values:

  • RESPECT – experienced as kindness, consideration, and regard for the rights, needs, wishes and well-being of others
  • EMPOWERMENT – experienced as autonomy through the ability to exercise choice, advocate & self-direct
  • GIFTS & STRENGTHS – experienced as opportunities to develop and use talents and abilities in service to one’s self, others and the community
  • DIVERSITY – experienced as appreciation, acceptance, accommodation, and inclusion of all people as valued fellow citizens
  • COMMUNITY – experienced as a valued contributing member within a network of supportive and meaningful relationships
  • BELONGING – as experienced through a sense of connection, acceptance, value, safety, and being cared about.

Since our humble beginnings we have had the privilege of walking the path with over 150 people and families to realize their dream for a good life in community and a safe and secure future. We have witnessed these amazing humans, achieved their goals to pursue post-secondary education and continuous learning, begin volunteering, finding employment, find a place to call a home of their own, engage in recreational activities and the arts, develop their gifts, pursue special areas of interests, build networks of support, create new friendships and romantic relationships and find belonging. In addition to providing resources, community connections and friendship for the person served, the network of support provided much needed respite and peace of mind for parents and families, knowing their loved one would have the life they too wanted for their adult child and a safe and secure future where their voice is heard and their choices honoured.

Warm regards,

Donnamarie Dunk

Executive Director

BE-safe,BE-well & BE-connected